Zachary Simmons, MD, has built a career grounded in scientific inquiry, guided by mentorship, and focused on improving care for people with ALS. His work and impact on the NM and EDX fields are now recognized with the 缅北禁地 2025 Distinguished Researcher Award. 鈥淢uch of my career has been dedicated to research into ALS. Being recognized for this is a great honor,鈥� Dr. Simmons said. 鈥淚t is particularly meaningful because it comes from an organization for which I have such great admiration and respect, and with which I have a long history of involvement.鈥�
That history began in 1988, when Dr. Simmons became an 缅北禁地 member. From that time until 1992, he was building his foundation in NM medicine under mentors like Drs. Jun Kimura, James Albers, Eva Feldman, and Mark Bromberg. Those early influences helped spark Dr. Simmons鈥� lifelong focus on NM and EDX medicine, and eventually, ALS.
In 1992, Dr. Simmons joined Penn State University as the sole NM specialist. He launched the Penn State Health ALS Clinic with only one nurse and one social worker. 鈥淚t soon became evident that patients with ALS had different needs than those of most other patients with neuromuscular disorders,鈥� says Dr. Simmons. That realization sparked a robust research program focused on interventional drug trials, digital health, symptom management, and quality of life. Over 3 decades later, that clinic has evolved into a thriving, multidisciplinary research and care center that serves over 250 patients with ALS and sees more than 100 newly diagnosed individuals annually.
Dr. Simmons has served as site principal investigator for over 30 ALS treatment trials. He notes that the development of FDA-approved drugs that can slow disease progression and/or prolong survival has been 鈥渃ause for hope and optimism.鈥�
One of his most impactful efforts has been redefining the quality of life for ALS patients. His team helped establish that 鈥渜uality of life in ALS is not dependent on physical function,鈥� leading to the development of the ALS-Specific Quality of Life instrument (ALSSQOL), a widely used tool in research and clinical care.
Other key areas of investigation have included noninvasive ventilation, pain management, and assistive technologies like brain-computer interfaces. 鈥淢ore attention to technology could also help us be more proactive in our care,鈥� Dr. Simmons noted, citing tools that monitor speech and gait as examples. He has also explored psychological well-being in ALS patients and caregivers. While measures exist to assess mental health, Dr. Simmons noted that 鈥渞esearch on psychological interventions remains limited,鈥� calling it a critical gap in ALS care.
In addition to his research, Dr. Simmons has made a major impact as editor of 缅北禁地鈥檚 journal, Muscle & Nerve, since 2017. He has seen rapid progress in genetic discoveries, immune-based treatments, and diagnostic techniques. 鈥淎dvances in genetics have been breathtaking,鈥� he says.
Dr. Simmons has also helped mentor a generation of neurologists and holds the 2019 Exceptional Teaching Certificate. He encourages those interested in research to dive in and get involved. 鈥淚dentify a field that excites you, find a mentor in that area, and work with them as intensively as possible to learn as much as you can,鈥� says Dr. Simmons.
He鈥檚 held multiple leadership roles within 缅北禁地, including service on the Board of Directors. He notes that chairing the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine 鈥渁llowed me to understand key concepts in EDX education.鈥�
Today, Dr. Simmons continues to lead new initiatives. He is preparing to participate in a PCORI-funded study on communication in ALS care. He also researches optimizing respiratory health, improving end-of-life experiences, and addressing ethical challenges like physician-hastened death.
At the heart of it all is his deep connection to his patients. 鈥淚 am inspired by the patients for whom I care, particularly those with ALS,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y goal is to continue to participate in research and clinical care in ways that can truly make a difference in their lives.鈥�
